Refuse vehicle with electric reach apparatus

ABSTRACT

A refuse vehicle includes a chassis, tractive elements, a lift apparatus, and a reach assembly. The tractive elements couple with the chassis and support the refuse vehicle. The lift apparatus includes a track and a grabber assembly. The track includes a straight portion and a curved portion. The grabber assembly releasably grasps a refuse container and ascends or descends the track to lift and empty refuse into a body of the refuse vehicle. The reach assembly includes an outer member, a first extendable member, and a second extendable member. The first extendable member is received within an inner volume of the outer member and translates relative to the outer member. The second extendable member is received within an inner volume of the first extendable member and translates relative to the first extendable member. The lift apparatus is fixedly coupled at an outer end of the second extendable member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/851,180, filed Apr. 17, 2020, which claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/843,084, filedMay 3, 2019, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND

The present application generally relates to the field of refusevehicles. More specifically, the present application relates to reachapparatuses for refuse vehicles.

SUMMARY

One implementation of the present disclosure is a refuse vehicle,according to an exemplary embodiment. The refuse vehicle includes achassis, multiple tractive elements, a lift apparatus, and a reachassembly. The multiple tractive elements are coupled with the chassisand configured to support the refuse vehicle. The lift apparatusincludes a track and a grabber assembly. The track includes a straightportion and a curved portion. The grabber assembly is configured toreleasably grasp a refuse container and ascend or descend the track tolift and empty refuse into a body of the refuse vehicle. The reachassembly includes an outer member, a first extendable member, and asecond extendable member. The first extendable member is configured tobe received within an inner volume of the outer member and translaterelative to the outer member. The second extendable member is configuredto be received within an inner volume of the first extendable member andtranslate relative to the first extendable member. The lift apparatus isfixedly coupled at an outer end of the second extendable member.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a reach assembly fora refuse vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment. The reachassembly includes an outer member, a first extendable member, a secondextendable member, a first electric motor, and a second electric motor.The outer member is fixedly coupled with the refuse vehicle. The firstextendable member is configured to be received within an inner volume ofthe outer member and translate relative to the outer member in alongitudinal direction of the outer member. The first extendable memberincludes a first rack extending in the longitudinal direction. Thesecond extendable member is configured to be received within an innervolume of the first extendable member and translate relative to thefirst extendable member in the longitudinal direction. The secondextendable member includes a second rack extending in the longitudinaldirection. A lift apparatus is fixedly coupled at an outer end of thesecond extendable member. The first electric motor is fixedly coupledwith the outer member and configured to drive a first pinion thatengages the first rack to translate the first extendable member relativeto the outer member. The second electric motor is fixedly coupled withthe first extendable member and configured to drive a second pinion thatengages the second rack to translate the second extendable memberrelative to the first extendable member.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a reach assembly fora refuse vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment. The reachassembly includes an outer member, a first extendable member, a secondextendable member, a first electric linear actuator, and a secondelectric linear actuator. The outer member is fixedly coupled with therefuse vehicle. The first extendable member is configured to be receivedwithin an inner volume of the outer member and translate relative to theouter member in a longitudinal direction of the outer member. The secondextendable member is configured to be received within an inner volume ofthe first extendable member and translate relative to the firstextendable member in the longitudinal direction. A lift apparatus isfixedly coupled at an outer end of the second extendable member. Thefirst electric linear actuator fixedly coupled at a first end with theouter member and fixedly coupled at a second end with the firstextendable member. The first electric linear actuator is configured toextend or retract to translate the first extendable member relative tothe outer member. The second electric linear actuator is fixedly coupledat a first end with the first extendable member and fixedly coupled at asecond end with the second extendable member. The second electric linearactuator is configured to extend or retract to translate the secondextendable member relative to the first extendable member.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a refuse vehicle,according to an exemplary embodiment. The refuse vehicle includes achassis, multiple tractive elements, a lift apparatus, and a reachassembly. The multiple tractive elements are coupled with the chassisand configured to support the refuse vehicle. The lift apparatusincludes a track and a grabber assembly. The track includes a straightportion and a curved portion. The grabber assembly is configured toreleasably grasp a refuse container and ascend or descend the track tolift and empty refuse into a body of the refuse vehicle. The reachassembly includes an outer member fixedly coupled with the refusevehicle, and a first extendable member. The first extendable member isconfigured to be received within an inner volume of the outer member andtranslate relative to the outer member.

Another implementation of the present disclosure is a reach assembly fora refuse vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment. The reachassembly includes an outer member, a first extendable member, a secondextendable member, and a first electric linear actuator. The outermember is fixedly coupled with the refuse vehicle. The first extendablemember is configured to be received within an inner volume of the outermember and translate relative to the outer member in a longitudinaldirection of the outer member. The second extendable member isconfigured to be received within an inner volume of the first extendablemember and translate relative to the first extendable member in thelongitudinal direction. A lift apparatus is fixedly coupled at an outerend of the second extendable member. The first electric linear actuatoris fixedly coupled at a first end with the outer member and fixedlycoupled at a second end with the first extendable member. The firstelectric linear actuator is configured to extend or retract to translatethe first extendable member relative to the outer member.

This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any waylimiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of thedevices or processes described herein will become apparent in thedetailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refuse vehicle, shown to include aloading assembly, a track, and a grabber assembly, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the loading assembly of the refusevehicle of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the loading assembly of the refusevehicle of FIG. 1, shown to include the grabber assembly of FIG. 1,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the track of FIG. 1, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the track of FIG. 1, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an electric reach assembly that can beused on the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the electric reach assembly of FIG. 6,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the electric reach assembly of FIG. 6 ata first degree of extension, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the electric reach assembly of FIG. 6 ata second degree of extension, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the electric reach assembly of FIG. 6at a third degree of extension, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the electric reach assembly of FIG. 6including electric linear actuators configured to extend the electricreach assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the electric reach assembly of FIG. 6using a push chain system to extend and retract the electric reachassembly, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the electric reach assembly of FIG. 6 includinga chain drive system configured to extend and retract the electric reachassembly, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the chain drive system of the electricreach assembly of FIG. 13, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the chain drive system of FIG. 14 at afirst degree of extension, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the chain drive system of FIG. 14 at asecond degree of extension, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the chain drive system of FIG. 14 at athird degree of extension, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the electric reach assembly of FIG. 6with the chain drive system of FIG. 14, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a triple rack system, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the triple rack system of FIG. 19,according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the reach assembly of FIG. 6 with thetriple rack system of FIG. 19 in a fully retracted state, according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the reach assembly of FIG. 21 in afully extended state, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a front view of the reach assembly of FIG. 6, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a right view of the reach assembly of FIG. 6, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a left view of the reach assembly of FIG. 6, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a rear view of the reach assembly of FIG. 6, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the reach assembly of FIG. 6, according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the reach assembly of FIG. 6, accordingto an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the reach assembly of FIG. 6, accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the figures. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring generally to the FIGURES, a fully electric reach assemblyincludes telescoping members. The telescoping members are receivedwithin each other and slidably couple with corresponding surfaces. Thetelescoping members can be driven to slidably translate relative to eachother with an electric motor, an electric linear actuator, a gearingsystem, a rack and roller pinion system, a triple rack system, a chainsystem, etc. The reach assembly can be fixedly coupled with a refusevehicle at a proximate end and may be configured to extend in a lateraldirection of the refuse vehicle. The reach assembly includes a track anda grabber assembly at a distal end configured to releasably secure andlift/dump refuse containers.

As shown in FIG. 1, refuse vehicle 10 includes a chassis, shown as frame12; a body assembly, shown as body 14, coupled to frame 12 (e.g., at arear end thereof, etc.); and a cab, shown as cab 16, coupled to frame 12(e.g., at a front end thereof, etc.). Cab 16 may include variouscomponents to facilitate operation of refuse vehicle 10 by an operator(e.g., a seat, a steering wheel, hydraulic controls, a user interface,switches, buttons, dials, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1, refuse vehicle 10includes a prime mover, shown as engine 18, coupled to frame 12 at aposition beneath cab 16. Engine 18 is configured to provide power to aplurality of tractive elements, shown as wheels 19, and/or to othersystems of refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., a pneumatic system, a hydraulicsystem, an electric system, etc.). Engine 18 may be configured toutilize one or more of a variety of fuels (e.g., gasoline, diesel,bio-diesel, ethanol, natural gas, etc.), according to various exemplaryembodiments. According to an alternative embodiment, engine 18additionally or alternatively includes one or more electric motorscoupled to frame 12 (e.g., a hybrid refuse vehicle, an electric refusevehicle, etc.). The electric motors may consume electrical power from anon-board storage device (e.g., batteries, ultra-capacitors, etc.), froman on-board generator (e.g., an internal combustion engine, etc.),and/or from an external power source (e.g., overhead power lines, etc.)and provide power to the systems of refuse vehicle

According to an exemplary embodiment, refuse vehicle 10 is configured totransport refuse from various waste receptacles within a municipality toa storage and/or processing facility (e.g., a landfill, an incinerationfacility, a recycling facility, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1, body 14includes a plurality of panels, shown as panels 32, a tailgate 34, and acover 36. Panels 32, tailgate 34, and cover 36 define a collectionchamber (e.g., hopper, etc.), shown as refuse compartment 30. Looserefuse may be placed into refuse compartment 30 where it may thereafterbe compacted. Refuse compartment 30 may provide temporary storage forrefuse during transport to a waste disposal site and/or a recyclingfacility. In some embodiments, at least a portion of body 14 and refusecompartment 30 extend in front of cab 16. According to the embodimentshown in FIG. 1, body 14 and refuse compartment 30 are positioned behindcab 16. In some embodiments, refuse compartment 30 includes a hoppervolume and a storage volume. Refuse may be initially loaded into thehopper volume and thereafter compacted into the storage volume.According to an exemplary embodiment, the hopper volume is positionedbetween the storage volume and cab 16 (e.g., refuse is loaded into aposition of refuse compartment 30 behind cab 16 and stored in a positionfurther toward the rear of refuse compartment 30). In other embodiments,the storage volume is positioned between the hopper volume and cab 16(e.g., a rear-loading refuse vehicle, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1, refuse vehicle 10 includes first liftmechanism/system (e.g., a front-loading lift assembly, etc.), shown aslift assembly 100. Lift assembly 100 includes a grabber assembly, shownas grabber assembly 42, movably coupled to a track, shown as track 20,and configured to move along an entire length of track 20. According tothe exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, track 20 extends alongsubstantially an entire height of body 14 and is configured to causegrabber assembly 42 to tilt near an upper height of body 14. In otherembodiments, track 20 extends along substantially an entire height ofbody 14 on a rear side of body 14. Refuse vehicle 10 can also include areach system or assembly coupled with a body or frame of refuse vehicle10 and lift assembly 100. The reach system can include telescopingmembers, a scissors stack, etc., or any other configuration that canextend or retract to provide additional reach of grabber assembly 42 forrefuse collection.

Referring still to FIG. 1, grabber assembly 42 includes a pair ofgrabber arms shown as grabber arms 44. Grabber arms 44 are configured torotate about an axis extending through a bushing. Grabber arms 44 areconfigured to releasably secure a refuse container to grabber assembly42, according to an exemplary embodiment. Grabber arms 44 rotate aboutthe axis extending through the bushing to transition between an engagedstate (e.g., a fully grasped configuration, a fully grasped state, apartially grasped configuration, a partially grasped state) and adisengaged state (e.g., a fully open state/configuration, a fullyreleased state/configuration, a partially open state/configuration, apartially released state/configuration). In the engaged state, grabberarms 44 are rotated towards each other such that the refuse container isgrasped therebetween. In the disengaged state, grabber arms 44 rotateoutwards (as shown in FIG. 3) such that the refuse container is notgrasped therebetween. By transitioning between the engaged state and thedisengaged state, grabber assembly 42 releasably couples the refusecontainer with grabber assembly 42. Refuse vehicle 10 may pull upalong-side the refuse container, such that the refuse container ispositioned to be grasped by the grabber assembly 42 therebetween.Grabber assembly 42 may then transition into an engaged state to graspthe refuse container. After the refuse container has been securelygrasped, grabber assembly 42 may be transported along track 20 with therefuse container. When grabber assembly 42 reaches the end of track 20,grabber assembly 42 may tilt and empty the contents of the refusecontainer in refuse compartment 30. The tilting is facilitated by thepath of track 20. When the contents of the refuse container have beenemptied into refuse compartment 30, grabber assembly 42 may descendalong track 20, and return the refuse container to the ground. Once therefuse container has been placed on the ground, the grabber assembly maytransition into the disengaged state, releasing the refuse container.

Refuse vehicle 10 can also include a reach assembly 800 that isconfigured to operate to facilitate extension and retraction of grabberassembly 42 and/or lift assembly 100. Reach assembly 800 can beconfigured to extend or retract from a side (e.g., a lateral side) ofrefuse vehicle 10 to facilitate lateral reach for grabber assembly 42 toreleasably grasp refuse containers that may be positioned a lateraldistance from refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., on a curbside). In someembodiments, reach assembly 800 is configured to extend or retract tolaterally translate grabber assembly 42 and lift assembly 100. In someembodiments, reach assembly 800 is configured to extend or retract tolaterally translate grabber assembly 42 and a portion of lift assembly100 (e.g., a portion of track 20). Reach assembly 800 can be fixedlycoupled, attached, secured, etc., with frame 12 of refuse vehicle 10 ormay be fixedly coupled, attached, secured, etc., with body 14 of refusevehicle 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, the lift assembly 100 is shown in greaterdetail, according to an exemplary embodiment. Lift assembly 100 is shownto include track 20, and a coupling member, shown as carrier 26. Track20 is configured to extend along substantially the entire height of body14, according to the exemplary embodiment shown. Body 14 is shown toinclude a loading section, shown as loading section 22. Loading section22 is shown to include a recessed portion, shown as recessed portion 24.Recessed portion 24 is configured to allow track 20 to curve throughrecessed portion 24, such that track 20 may be configured to empty arefuse bin (e.g., a garbage can) releasably couple to grabber assembly42 in refuse compartment 30.

Still referring to FIGS. 2-3, carrier 26 is shown coupled with track 20.Carrier 26 is coupled to track 20 such that carrier 26 may move along anentire path length of track 20. Carrier 26 may removably couple withgrabber assembly 42, thereby removably coupling grabber assembly 42 totrack 20, and allowing grabber assembly 42 to travel along the entirepath length of track 20. Carrier 26 removably couples (e.g., byremovable fasteners) to a carriage portion of grabber assembly 42, shownas carriage 46. Grabber assembly 42 is shown to include grabber arms,shown as first grabber arm 44 a and second grabber arm 44 b, accordingto an exemplary embodiment. First grabber arm 44 a and second grabberarm 44 b are each configured to pivot about 45 a and axis 45 b,respectively. Axis 45 a is defined as an axis longitudinally extendingthrough substantially an entire length of a first adapter or bushingassembly, shown as first adapter assembly 43 a, and axis 45 b is definedas an axis longitudinally extending through substantially an entirelength of a second adapter or bushing assembly, shown as second adapterassembly 43 b. First adapter assembly 43 a fixedly couples to a firstend of carriage 46, and rotatably couples to first grabber arm 44 a.Second adapter assembly 43 b fixedly couples to a second end of carriage46, and rotatably couples to second grabber arm 44 b. First adapterassembly 43 a and second adapter assembly 43 b couple first grabber arm44 a and second grabber arm 44 b to carriage 46, and allow first grabberarm 44 a and second grabber arm 44 b to rotate about axis 45 a and axis45 b, respectively.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-5, the track 20 is shown in greater detailaccording to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a front view of track20, and FIG. 5 shows a side view of track 20, according to an exemplaryembodiment. Track 20 is shown to include a straight portion 27, and acurved portion 29. Straight portion 27 may be substantially vertical,and/or substantially parallel to loading section 22 of body 14,according to an exemplary embodiment. Curved portion 29 may have aradius of curvature, shown as radius 23, according to an exemplaryembodiment. In some embodiments, curved portion 29 has a constant radiusof curvature (e.g., curved portion 29 has a constant radius 23 along allpoints on a path of curved portion 29), while in other embodiments,curved portion 29 has a non-constant radius of curvature (e.g., curvedportion 29 has a non-constant radius 23 along various points on the pathof curved portion 29). According to an exemplary embodiment, straightportion 27 has an infinite radius of curvature. According to anexemplary embodiment, grabber assembly 42 may travel along a path oftrack 20, shown as path 25. Track 20 may be configured to tilt grabberassembly 42 to empty contents of a refuse container when grabberassembly 42 travels along path 25 and travels past a point on path 25,shown as point 28. When grabber assembly 42 travels along path 25 pastpoint 28, grabber assembly 42 may tilt, emptying the contents of therefuse container in refuse compartment 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7, and 23-29, reach assembly 800 (e.g., areach assembly, an extension assembly, a reach system, etc.) can be usedon refuse vehicle 10. Reach assembly 800 includes a rear, a first, or aproximate end 802, and a front, a second, or a distal end 804. Proximateend 802 of reach assembly 800 can be removably or fixedly coupled withrefuse vehicle 10. For example, proximate end 802 can be removably orfixedly coupled with frame 12, body 14, a chassis, etc., of refusevehicle 10. Reach assembly 800 includes track 20 and grabber assembly 42at distal end 804. Track 20 and grabber assembly 42 can be removably orfixedly coupled with distal end 804 of reach assembly 800.

Reach assembly 800 includes a longitudinal axis 806 that extendstherethrough and defines a longitudinal direction. Reach assembly 800also includes a lateral axis 808 that extends therethrough perpendicularto longitudinal axis 806 and defines a lateral direction. In someembodiments, lateral axis 808 is substantially parallel with alongitudinal axis of refuse vehicle 10.

Reach assembly 800 includes a body, a frame, a structural supportmember, a telescoping member, a tracked member, an outer member, a bodymember, etc., shown as body 801. Body 801 can be fixedly or removablycoupled with a body or frame of refuse vehicle 10 through connectingportions 803. Connecting portions 803 can extend from opposite lateraland/or longitudinal sides of body 801 and can include holes, apertures,etc., configured to receive fasteners therethrough to removably couplereach assembly 800 with refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., with an underside ofrefuse vehicle 10). Connecting portions 803 can be generally planarmembers, flanges, etc. Reach assembly 800 includes a first extendablemember, a bar, a beam, a hollow member, etc., shown as extendable member810. Extendable member 810 configured to extend or retract in thelongitudinal direction relative to body 801 to facilitate grabberassembly 42 reaching various refuse containers (e.g., containers thatare a distance away from refuse vehicle 10). Extendable member 810 canbe configured to extend or retract in the longitudinal direction toincrease or decrease an overall longitudinal length of reach assembly800. In some embodiments, extendable member 810 is driven by an electricmotor 854 a. Extendable member 810 can be received within and slidablycouple with an inner volume, a channel, a longitudinal track, a recess,a bore, a hollow portion, a cavity, grooves, etc., of body 801. Body 801can have a generally rectangular or square shape and can receiveextendable member 810 therewithin. The inner volume of body 801 cancorrespond in shape with an outer shape of extendable member 810.

Extendable member 810 includes a pair of elongated members, rigidmembers, beams, bars, I-beams, U-beams, T-beams, etc., shown as framemembers 812. Specifically, extendable member 810 include frame member812 a and frame member 812 b laterally spaced apart a distance 814.Frame member 812 a and frame member 812 b extend along or parallel tolongitudinal axis 806 and can be substantially parallel with each other.Frame member 812 a and 812 b can be fixedly coupled with each otherthrough laterally extending members 846 and 848 (see FIG. 29)therebetween. In some embodiments, laterally extending members 846 and848 are formed steel sheets. In some embodiments, laterally extendingmembers 846 and 848 extends therebetween frame members 812 on oppositevertical sides (e.g., on a top side and a bottom side of frame members812). Frame member 812 a and frame member 812 b can each include ordefine a longitudinally extending channel, groove, recess, track, etc.,shown as tracks 816. Tracks 816 can be defined on outer lateral sides offrame members 812. Tracks 816 are configured to receive and slidablycouple with one or more sliders, slidable members, block, rollers,rolling members, linear bearings, etc., shown as linear bearings 818.Linear bearings 818 can be translatably coupled with frame members 812.In some embodiments, linear bearings 818 are fixedly coupled with body801. For example, linear bearings 818 can be fixedly coupled with aninterior surface of body 801 and slidably or translatably coupled withtracks 816 of frame members 812 to facilitate a translatable or slidablecoupling therebetween extendable member 810 and body 801.

Extendable member 810 includes a rack, an engagement member, a pluralityof teeth, etc., shown as rack 824. Rack 824 extends longitudinally alongone or both of frame members 812. In some embodiments, rack 824 extendslongitudinally along a bottom surface of one or both of frame members812. Rack 824 can be fixedly coupled with frame member 812 a. Rack 824includes teeth, projections, engagement members, protrusions, etc.,shown as teeth 828. Teeth 828 are spaced apart and extend alongsubstantially an entire length of rack 824. In some embodiments, rack824 extends along the entire length of frame member 812 a.

Electric motor 854 a can be fixedly coupled with body 801. Electricmotor 854 a is configured to drive a gear, a roller pinion, anengagement member, a rotational member, a drive member, etc., shown asroller pinion 856 a. Roller pinion 856 a is configured to engage or meshwith teeth 828 of rack 824. Electric motor 854 a can exert a torque onroller pinion 856 a through a gearbox which is transferred to atranslational force through the engagement between roller pinion 856 aand rack 824. Roller pinion 856 a is driven to rotate by electric motor854 a, thereby translating extendable member 810 relative to body 801 inthe longitudinal direction (e.g., along longitudinal axis 806). Electricmotor 854 a can be operated in either direction to translate extendablemember 810 relative to body 801 (e.g., to extend extendable member 810or to retract extendable member 810). Electric motors 854 can transfertorque to roller pinions 856 through gearboxes 868 (see FIG. 28).Electric motors 854 can each include a brake 882 (e.g., an electricbrake). Brake 882 can be configured to activate to lock an outputdriveshaft of electric motor 854, thereby locking reach assembly 800 ata current degree of extension or retraction.

Extendable member 810 can include a channel, an inner volume, a space, arecess, etc., shown as inner tracks 822. Extendable member 810 defines aspace therebetween frame members 812 that can receive another extendablemember, bar, elongated member, etc., shown as extendable member 850.Extendable member 850 can be received therewithin extendable member 810.Extendable member 850 can be received through a center or extendablemember 810, or can be received within a laterally offset channel ofextendable member 810. In some embodiments, extendable member 850 isfixedly coupled with linear bearings 818 that are received within andtranslatably and slidably couple with inner tracks 822. In this way,extendable member 850 can translate along inner tracks 822 relative toextendable member 810. Extendable member 850 includes a body portion, aframe, an elongated member, etc., shown as body 834. Body 834 can havean outer cross sectional shape that corresponds to the shape of thespace/volume defined between frame members 812. Body 834 is slidably andtranslatably coupled with inner tracks 822 of frame members 812.

Body 834 slidably and translatably couples with extendable member 810.Body 834 can include linear bearings 818 disposed therebetweenextendable member 810 and body 834. In some embodiments, linear bearings818 are positioned on opposite lateral sides or surfaces of body 834 andare received within tracks 822 of extendable member 810. Linear bearings818 can slidably couple with tracks 822 of extendable member 810 tofacilitate translation of extendable member 850 relative to extendablemember 810 in a direction parallel with longitudinal axis 806.

Extendable member 850 includes a rack 830 that extends longitudinallyalong body 834 of extendable member 850. Rack 830 can be the same as orsimilar to rack 824 and includes teeth 832. Teeth 832 can be the same asor similar to teeth 828 of rack 824. Electric motor 854 b is fixedlycoupled with one or both of frame members 812. In some embodiments,electric motor 854 b is fixedly coupled with extendable member 810.Electric motor 854 b is configured to drive roller pinion 856 b. Rollerpinion 856 b is configured to mesh with or engage teeth 832 of rack 830to drive extendable member 850 to translate relative to extendablemember 810 in a longitudinal direction or a direction that is parallelwith longitudinal axis 806. Electric motor 854 b exerts a torque onroller pinion 856 b through gearbox 868 b, thereby driving extendablemember 850 to translate relative to extendable member 810. In someembodiments, electric motor 854 b can be operated in either direction toextend or retract extendable member 850 relative to extendable member810. Electric motor 854 b can be locked by brake 882 b. Brake 882 b canbe activated to exert a locking force on an output driveshaft ofelectric motor 854 b, thereby facilitating preventing extendable member850 from translating relative to extendable member 810.

Extendable member 850 is coupled with track 20 at a distal end. In someembodiments, extendable member 850 is fixedly coupled with track 20. Inother embodiments, extendable member 850 is fixedly and removablycoupled with track 20. In some embodiments, extendable member 850 isfixedly coupled with a first piece or portion of track 20 that is freeto translate relative to a second (e.g., an upper) piece or portion oftrack 20.

Roller pinion 856 b can be driven by electric motor 854 b to translateextendable member 850 relative to extendable member 810. In this way,electric motor 854 b can be operated to increase or decrease an overalllength of reach assembly 800. Electric motors 854 can be operated by acontroller or a control system. In some embodiments, electric motors 854are operated simultaneously such that extendable member 810 translateslongitudinally relative to body 801 while extendable member 850translates longitudinally relative to extendable member 810. In otherembodiments, electric motor 854 a is first operated until extendablemember 810 is fully extended, and then electric motor 854 b is operateduntil extendable member 850 is fully extended relative to extendablemember 810.

Reach assembly 800 is shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 23-29 as a telescopingtubular apparatus that is driven to extend or retract by electric motors854. While reach assembly 800 is only shown to include two extendablemembers (e.g., extendable member 810 and extendable member 850), reachassembly 800 can include any number of telescoping members that areconfigured to be received within each other and translate longitudinallyto extend/retract.

Electric motors 854 can receive power from a battery, a collection ofbatteries, or any other power storage device. Electric motors 854 canoperate to extend and retract reach assembly 800, thereby facilitating alarger longitudinal reach of reach assembly 800.

Reach assembly 800 can extend laterally from refuse vehicle 10. In someembodiments, longitudinal axis 806 of reach assembly 800 isperpendicular to a longitudinal axis of refuse vehicle 10. Reachassembly 800 facilitates reaching distant refuse collection bins so thatthe refuse collection bins or containers can be releasably secure orgrasped at carriage 26 (or with grabber assembly 42) and lifted alongtrack 20.

In some embodiments, reach assembly 800 includes feedback sensors. Thefeedback sensors can be configured to measure or monitor operation ofelectric motors 854 to monitor a degree of extension of reach assembly800. In some embodiments, distance or proximity sensors are used todirectly measure the degree of extension of reach assembly 800.

While reach assembly 800 is shown driven to extend and retract byelectric motors 854, reach assembly 800 can also be driven to extend andretract by electric linear actuators, roller gears and a rack, a rackand pinion, a pin gear or sprocket and an attachment chain, or a similardevice, system or apparatus. Reach assembly 800 is advantageously afully-electrically powered system that does not require hydrauliccomponents to extend or retract. Electric motors 854 can also includegearboxes such that the torque provided to roller pinions 856 issufficient to extend/retract reach assembly 800. Reach assembly 800 canalso include brakes configured to lock a current position of reachassembly 800 and facilitate preventing further extension/retraction ofreach assembly 800. In some embodiments, the brakes are configured toengage drive shafts of electric motors 854.

Advantageously, reach assembly 800 as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 23-29provides improved mechanical efficiency. Since reach assembly 800 uses arack and roller pinion, the efficiency of torque that is converted totranslational/longitudinal force is improved. Another advantage of usinga rack and roller pinion reach assembly as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 isimproved lash control and precise location accuracy. Furthermore, usinga rack and roller pinion reach assembly as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and23-29 facilitates an improved speed at which reach assembly 800 canextend and retract. Finally, reach assembly 800 as shown in FIGS. 6 and7 uses a rack and roller pinion and telescoping members to provide adurable and robust reach assembly.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, reach assembly 800 can be extended andretracted to increase a distance therebetween a longitudinal axis 806 ofrefuse vehicle 10 and track 20. Specifically, an overall longitudinallength of reach assembly 800 increases as reach assembly 800 is drivenby electric motors 854 to extend and decreases as reach assembly 800 isdriven to retract.

FIG. 8 shows reach assembly 800 in a fully retracted configuration. FIG.9 shows reach assembly 800 in a partially extended configuration. FIG.10 shows reach assembly 800 in a fully extended configuration. Reachassembly 800 can extend or retract to facilitate reaching containersthat are offset laterally from refuse vehicle 10. As shown in FIGS.8-10, electric motor 854 a remains stationary relative to track 20,since electric motor 854 is fixedly coupled with body 801 (which isfixedly coupled with refuse vehicle 10).

Referring now to FIG. 11, reach assembly 800 can be configured to extendand retract by electric linear actuators 860. Specifically, electriclinear actuator 860 a is configured to translate extendable member 810relative to body 801. Likewise, electric linear actuator 860 b isconfigured to translate extendable member 850 relative to extendablemember 810. Electric linear actuators 860 can be positioned therewithinreach assembly 800. Electric linear actuator 860 a is positioned withinbody 801 and extendable member 810. Electric linear actuator 860 aextends in the longitudinal direction defined by longitudinal axis 806.Electric linear actuator 860 a is fixedly coupled at a first orproximate end with body 801 and fixedly coupled at a second or distalend (that is opposite the proximate end) with extendable member 810. Insome embodiments, electric linear actuator 860 a includes an extendableshaft, a rod, a piston, etc., shown as rod 864 a that fixedly coupleswith extendable member 810 at the distal end. Rod 864 can include anaperture, a bore, a through hole, etc., that receives a member 866 athat extends in the lateral direction and fixedly couples withextendable member 810 at the distal end.

Electric linear actuator 860 b is configured to fixedly couple at afirst or proximate end with extendable member 810 and at a second ordistal end with extendable member 850. Specifically, rod 864 b ofelectric linear actuator 860 b is configured to fixedly couple withextendable member 850 at the second or distal end.

Electric linear actuators 860 both include electric motors 862. Electricmotors 862 are configured to drive rods 864 to extend or retract,thereby extending and retracting reach assembly 800. In someembodiments, drive rods 864 are fixedly coupled with a linear screw thatextends longitudinally therethrough electric linear actuators 860.Electric motors 862 are configured to drive the linear screw to causedrive rods 864 to translate linearly (e.g., to extend or retract).Electric motors 862 can drive rods 864 to linearly translate through agearbox. Reach assembly 800 as shown in FIG. 11 can be operatedsimilarly or the same as reach assembly 800 as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and8-10 and described in greater detail above.

Body 801 can include one or more rollers, roller bearings, pivotalmembers, rotatable members, etc., shown as rollers 858. Rollers 858 canbe pivotally coupled with body 801 and can engage an exterior surface orface of extendable member 810. Rollers 858 can be driven to rotate orpivot or roll as extendable member 810 linearly translates relative tobody 801. Specifically, the engagement between the exterior surface ofextendable member 810 and rollers 858 drives rollers 858 to rotate asextendable member 810 linearly translates relative to body 801. Rollers858 of body 801 can remain translationally stationary relative to body801 such that rollers 858 of body 801 do not translate with extendablemember 810.

Extendable member 810 can also include rollers 858 that are fixedlycoupled with extendable member 810. Rollers 858 can engage acorresponding surface of body 801. Rollers 858 can be configured topivot, rotate, or roll along the corresponding surface of body 801 asextendable member 810 is driven to translate relative to body 801.

Extendable member 810 can also include rollers 858 that are fixedlycoupled with extendable member 810 and configured to engage acorresponding surface of extendable member 850. In some embodiments, asextendable member 850 is driven to translate relative to extendablemember 810, rollers 858 that engage the corresponding surface ofextendable member 850 are driven to rotate or roll along extendablemember 850. Rollers 858 can translate with extendable member 810.

In some embodiments, electric linear actuators 860 include feedbacksensors configured to provide a controller or control system of refusevehicle 10 with a measured degree of extension of each electric linearactuator 860. In this way, a current extended length of reach assembly800 can be monitored and measured. In some embodiments, electric linearactuators 860 and/or electric motors 862 include a brake. The brake canbe configured to lock reach assembly 800 at a current degree ofextension. The brake can be activated to facilitate preventing relativelinear translation therebetween body 801, extendable member 810, andextendable member 850. In some embodiments, the brake is activated by acontroller or a control system. In some embodiments, the brake isactivated to maintain a current degree of extension of reach assembly800 during transportation or when refuse vehicle 10 is shut down.

Referring now to FIG. 12, reach assembly 800 is shown according toanother embodiment. Reach assembly 800 can be the same as or similar tothe reach assemblies described in greater detail hereinabove. Reachassembly 800 can be driven to extend or retract along longitudinal axis806 by a push chain 870. Push chain 870 can extend therethrough body801, extendable member 810, and extendable member 850. Push chain 870can include a first or proximate end 874 and a second or distal end 872.Push chain 870 includes linkages that pivotally coupled with each other.The linkages can be configured such that push chain 870 can contort,bend, bow, etc., in a first direction, but is prevented from contortingor deforming in a second, opposite, direction.

First or proximate end 874 of push chain 870 can be spooled about adrum, a disc, a gear, etc. The drum is configured to be driven rotateabout axis 878 through shaft 876. Shaft 876 can be driven by an electricmover 884 (e.g., an electric motor, an electric linear actuator, etc.).Rotating shaft 876 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise about axis 878)drives distal end 872 of push chain 870 to linearly translate in thelongitudinal direction, thereby pushing extendable member 850 andextendable member 810 to extend. Likewise, rotating shaft 876 in asecond direction (e.g., counter clockwise about axis 878) drives distalend 872 in a direction towards refuse vehicle 10 in the longitudinaldirection, thereby retracting reach assembly 800. Rotating shaft 876 inthe second direction causes push chain 870 to spool up or wind about thedrum. In some embodiments, electric mover 884 is an electric linearactuator that is configured to extend or retract to provide a pushingforce to extendable member 850 through push chain 870.

When shaft 876 is rotated in the first direction about axis 878 as shownin FIG. 12, a pushing force 880 is transferred through push chain 870that drives reach assembly 800 to extend. When shaft 876 is rotated inthe second direction about axis 878, a pulling force that acts in adirection opposite pushing force 880 is transferred through push chain870 that drives reach assembly 800 to retract. Both pushing force 880and the pulling force can act in a direction that is substantiallyparallel with longitudinal axis 806.

Reach assembly 800 can include both laterally oriented and verticallyoriented rollers 858. Rollers 858 can be disposed therebetween adjacentmembers that translate relative to each other. For example, a first setof laterally oriented rollers 858 can be positioned therebetween body801 and extendable member 810. The first set of laterally orientedrollers 858 can be fixedly coupled with body 801 and engage an outersurface of extendable member 810 such that as extendable member 810translates linearly relative to body 801, rollers 858 are driven torotate. A second set of laterally oriented rollers 858 that is similarto the first set of laterally oriented rollers 858 can be positionedtherebetween extendable member 810 and extendable member 850.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-17, a reach apparatus 1100 includes a framemember, a body member, a support member, a structural member, etc.,shown as frame 1104. Reach apparatus 1100 can be the same as or similarto reach assembly 800 and may be configured to facilitate extension orretraction of grabber assembly 42 in a lateral direction relative torefuse vehicle 10. In some embodiments, reach apparatus 1100 is usablewith refuse vehicle 10 instead of reach assembly 800, such that whateveris said of reach assembly 800 in use with refuse vehicle 10 may be saidof reach apparatus 1100. Frame 1104 includes a first gear or sprocket,shown as sprocket 1124 and a second gear or sprocket, shown as sprocket1126. First sprocket 1124 and second sprocket 1126 are spaced apartalong a longitudinal length of frame 1104. First sprocket 1124 andsecond sprocket 1126 are pivotally or rotatably coupled with frame 1104.First sprocket 1124 and second sprocket 1126 are translationally fixedto frame 1104 but are free to rotate.

Frame 1104 includes a rack 1122 that extends along the entirety of thelongitudinal length of frame 1104. Rack 1122 includes teeth 1136 thatare configured to engage or mesh with a drive gear or a pinion 1120.Pinion 1120 can be mounted to a driveshaft of electric motor 1102 and isconfigured to be driven to rotate by electric motor 1102. Drivingelectric motor 1102 causes frame 1104 to translate in the longitudinaldirection.

Reach apparatus 1100 includes a chain 1118 (e.g., a power transmittingband, a belt, a tensile member, etc.). Chain 1118 is configured toengage first sprocket 1124 (e.g., a power transmitting drum, a rotatablemember, a cogged wheel, a wheel, a drive member, a rotatable drivemember, a rotational drive member, etc.) and second sprocket 1126 (e.g.,a power transmitting drum, a rotatable member, a cogged wheel, a wheel,a drive member, a rotatable drive member, a rotational drive member,etc.) and can wrap around both first sprocket 1124 and second sprocket1126. Chain 1118 can be a closed-loop chain (e.g., without free ends).Electric motor 1102 can be driven to translate frame 1104 in direction1128 or in a direction that is opposite direction 1128. Chain 1118includes multiple links 1130 that are pivotally coupled with each other.

Reach apparatus 1100 includes a first rigid member 1106 and a secondrigid member 1108. First rigid member 1106 and second rigid member 1108can be substantially parallel to each other. First rigid member 1106includes a bar, a beam, a protrusion, an elongated member, etc., shownas member 1114. Member 1114 is fixedly coupled or integrally formed witha generally planar member 1110. Likewise, second rigid member 1108includes a member 1116 that is similar or the same as member 1114.Member 1116 is fixedly coupled or integrally formed with a generallyplanar member 1112 that is substantially parallel and the same asgenerally planar member 1110.

Member 1114 and member 1116 are integrally formed with one of links1130. For example, member 1114 can be integrally formed with one oflinks 1130 on a first lateral side of reach apparatus 1100, while member1116 can be integrally formed with one of links 1130 on a second lateralside of reach apparatus 1100 that is opposite the first side.

Generally planar member 1110 and generally planar member 1112 can be aportion of or integrally formed with telescoping members. For example,generally planar member 1110 can be fixedly coupled with body 801 whilegenerally planar member 1112 can be fixedly coupled with extendablemember 810. Similarly, generally planar member 1110 can be fixedlycoupled with extendable member 810 with generally planar member 1112being fixedly coupled to extendable member 850. In some embodiments,first rigid member 1106 is integrally formed with or fixedly coupledwith

As electric motor 1102 drives frame 1104 to translate in direction 1128through the engagement between pinion 1120 and teeth 1136 of rack 1122,a longitudinal distance therebetween generally planar member 1110 andgenerally planar member 1112 increases. As electric motor 1102 drivesframe 1104 to translate in a direction opposite direction 1128 throughthe engagement between pinion 1120 and teeth 1136 of rack 1122, thelongitudinal distance therebetween generally planar member 1110 andgenerally planar member 1112 decreases.

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, the operation of reach apparatus 1100 isshown. FIG. 15 shows reach apparatus 1100 in a fully retractedconfiguration. FIG. 16 shows reach apparatus 1100 in a partiallyextended configuration. FIG. 17 shows reach apparatus 1100 in a fullyextended configuration. It should be noted that electric motor 1102 isshown remaining stationary relative to frame 1104 and can be fixedlycoupled with first rigid member 1106. It should be understood that whilereach apparatus 1100 is shown as including a chain and sprockets, reachapparatus 1100 can be configured using belts and drums, cables andwheels, etc.

Reach apparatus 1100 is driven to extend and retract (e.g., totransition between the states shown in FIGS. 15-17) by electric motor1102. Electric motor 1102 drives frame 1104 to translate in direction1128, thereby driving first sprocket 1124 and second sprocket 1126 torotate. As first sprocket 1124 and second sprocket 1126 are driven torotate, chain 1118 rolls/rotates due to the engagement therebetweenchain 1118 and sprockets 1124 and 1126. This drives second rigid member1108 to translate relative to first rigid member 1106, thereby extendingsecond rigid member 1108.

Electric motor 1102 can be operated in either direction to extend orretract reach apparatus 1100. In some embodiments, first sprocket 1124or second sprocket 1126 are driven directly by electric motor 1102. Forexample, first sprocket 1124 and/or second sprocket 1126 can be mountedto a shaft that is driven by electric motor 1102.

Referring now to FIG. 13, reach apparatus 1100 is shown configured toextend and retract reach assembly 800. Reach apparatus 1100 can bedriven at first sprocket 1124 or second sprocket 1126 by an electricmotor with a gear box. In some embodiments, first sprocket 1124 andsecond sprocket 1126 are rotatably coupled and translationally fixed toextendable member 810. In this way, extendable member 810 can functionas frame 1104. Extendable member 810 can include a rack similar or thesame as rack 1122 and can be driven to translate by electric motor 1102and pinion 1120.

Chain 1118 wraps around first sprocket 1124 and second sprocket 1126 andengages first sprocket 1124 and second sprocket 1126. Chain 1118includes a first protrusion 1132 and a second protrusion 1134. Firstprotrusion 1132 and second protrusion 1134 extend from opposite sides ofchain 1118. First protrusion 1132 and second protrusion 1134 are eachfixedly coupled or integrally formed with a corresponding link of chain1118. First protrusion 1132 can fixedly couple with a rigid member, abar, a beam, a tubular member, etc. The rigid member extendstherebetween first profusion 1132 and body 801, fixedly coupling thefirst corresponding linkage of chain 1118 with body 801. Similarly,second protrusion 1134 is fixedly coupled or integrally formed with arigid member that extends between second protrusion 1134 and extendablemember 850, thereby fixedly coupling the second corresponding link ofchain 1118 with extendable member 850.

Reach apparatus 1100 can be operated similarly as shown in FIGS. 15-17to extend and retract reach assembly 800. Specifically, reach apparatus1100 can be configured to extend and retract extendable member 850relative to extendable member 810, while concurrently or simultaneouslyextending or retracting extendable member 850 relative to body 801.

Advantageously, using reach apparatus 1100 to extend reach assembly 800does not require a translatable motor. For example, the electric motorused to drive reach apparatus 1100 can be fixedly coupled with astationary member or portion of reach assembly 800. This facilitateseasy access of the motor for maintenance and servicing, and reduces thelikelihood that the electric motor will contact an obstruction whiletranslating with one of extendable member 850 and/or extendable member810.

Referring now to FIG. 18, reach apparatus 1100 can also be used withreach assembly 800 in a different orientation. Reach apparatus 1100 canbe substantially parallel with side members of reach assembly 800. Forexample, the axes that first sprocket 1124 and second sprocket 1126rotate about can be substantially parallel with lateral axis 808.

In some embodiments, first sprocket 1124 and second sprocket 1126 arerotatably coupled with elongated member 1140 at opposite ends ofelongated member 1140. Elongated member 1140 can function similarly toframe 1104. Elongated member 1140 can be fixedly coupled with extendablemember 810 such that extendable member 810 and elongated member 1140translate together. First sprocket 1124 or second sprocket 1126 engagechain 1118. First sprocket 1124 or second sprocket 1126 can be driven byan electric motor to simultaneously or concurrently translate extendablemember 810 relative to body 801 and extendable member 850 relative toextendable member 810. First rigid member 1106 is fixedly coupled with acorresponding link of chain 1118 at one end, and fixedly coupled withbody 801 at an opposite end. Second rigid member 1108 is fixedly coupledwith a corresponding link of chain 1118 at one end, and fixedly coupledwith extendable member 850 at an opposite end.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 20, a triple rack apparatus 1200 includesa variety of elongated members. Triple rack apparatus 1200 is usablewith reach assembly 800 and can share any of the functionality,configuration, etc., of reach assembly 800. For example, triple rackapparatus 1200 can be used with refuse vehicle 10 and may be configuredto facilitate movement of grabber assembly 42 relative to refuse vehicle10 (e.g., to facilitate access to refuse containers that are laterallyoffset or otherwise positioned a distance away from refuse vehicle 10).The elongated members can be bars, beams, square members, rectangularmembers, racks, elongated toothed members, etc. The elongated membersare all rigid members and may all be parallel to each other. In someembodiments, all of the elongated members are parallel to each other andparallel to longitudinal axis 806. Stationary elongated member 1202 canbe fixedly coupled with body 801 of reach assembly 800. Stationaryelongated member 1202 may be configured to remain stationary as rackapparatus 1200 is driven to extend or retract. Rack apparatus 1200 canbe used with reach assembly 800 to facilitate translation of extendablemember 850 relative to extendable member 810 concurrently orsimultaneously with translation of extendable member 810 relative tobody 801. In some embodiments, if rack apparatus 1200 is used with reachassembly 800, translation of extendable member 810 relative to body 801produces translation of extendable member 850 relative to extendablemember 810.

Rack apparatus 1200 includes an intermediate or input or driven orcentral elongated member 1206. Intermediate elongated member 1206 cantranslate relative to stationary elongated member 1202. Intermediateelongated member 1206 can be fixedly coupled with extendable member 810.Intermediate elongated member 1206 includes teeth 1204 formed or definedon opposing lateral sides. Stationary elongated member 1202 can alsoinclude teeth 1204 on an inner facing surface that points towards teeth1204 of intermediate elongated member 1206. A gear, a pinion gear, aroller, a drive member, etc., shown as pinion gear 1210 is positionedtherebetween stationary elongated member 1202 and intermediate elongatedmember 1206. Pinion gear 1210 is configured to engage and mesh withteeth 1204 of stationary elongated member 1202 and intermediateelongated member 1206.

Rack apparatus 1200 includes an output elongated member 1218. Outputelongated member 1218 can be configured to translate relative tointermediate elongated member 1206. Output elongated member 1218includes teeth 1204 on a laterally inwards facing surface or face. Apinion gear 1220 is disposed therebetween output elongated member 1218and intermediate elongated member 1206 and is configured to engage teeth1204 of output elongated member 1218 and intermediate elongated member1206.

Referring still to FIG. 19, rack apparatus 1200 includes a firstcoupling elongated member 1212 and a second coupling elongated member1214. First coupling elongated member 1212 and second coupling elongatedmember 1214 include teeth 1204 on laterally inwards facing surfaces. Apinion gear 1216 is disposed therebetween first coupling elongatedmember 1212 and second coupling elongated member 1214 and is configuredto engage and mesh with teeth 1204 of first coupling elongated member1212 and second coupling elongated member 1214. Pinion gear 1216 can beslidably coupled with a corresponding surface of intermediate elongatedmember 1206.

First coupling elongated member 1212 is pivotally or rotatably coupledwith pinion gear 1210 at a first or proximate end. Pinion gear 1210 canbe translatably fixed at the first end of first coupling elongatedmember 1212 but is free to rotate. Second coupling elongated member 1214is pivotally or rotatably coupled with pinion gear 1220 at a second ordistal end that is opposite the proximate end of first couplingelongated member 1212. Pinion gear 1220 can be translatably fixed at thedistal end of second coupling elongated member 1214 but is also free torotate or can be driven to rotate.

Intermediate elongated member 1206 can be driven to translate relativeto stationary elongated member 1202 by providing an input force tointermediate elongated member 1206. The input force can be provided tointermediate elongated member 1206 by an electric linear actuator. Asintermediate elongated member 1206 is driven to translate relative tostationary elongated member 1202, output elongated member 1218 is alsodriven to translate relative to intermediate elongated member 1206 dueto the engagement of pinion gears 1220, 1216, and 1210, and thecorresponding elongated members. In this way, a single electric linearactuator can be used to translate intermediate elongated member 1206relative to stationary elongated member 1202 while simultaneously orconcurrently translating output elongated member 1218 relative tointermediate elongated member 1206.

Referring particularly to FIG. 20, rack apparatus 1200 is shownaccording to another embodiment. Intermediate member 1206 can includeteeth 1204 on only one of the lateral sides along a first portion and ononly an opposite one of the lateral sides along a second portion.

Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22, rack apparatus 1200 can be implementedin reach assembly 800. Stationary elongated member 1202 is fixedlycoupled with body 801. Intermediate elongated member 1206 is fixedlycoupled with extendable member 810. Output elongated member 1218 isfixedly coupled with extendable member 850. Second coupling elongatedmember 1214 can be configured to slidably couple with extendable member810. In some embodiments, second coupling elongated member 1214 isreceived within a groove, a track, a recess, etc., shown as track 1222of extendable member 810. First coupling elongated member 1212 may alsobe configured to slidably couple with extendable member 810 similarly tosecond coupling elongated member 1214 (e.g., in a similar track 1222).

FIG. 21 shows rack apparatus 1200 and reach assembly 800 in a fullyretracted configuration/state, while FIG. 22 shows rack apparatus 1200and reach assembly 800 in a fully extended configuration/state. Rackapparatus 1200 and reach assembly 800 can be transition between thefully extended state and the fully retracted state (or to a partiallyretracted or partially extended state) by driving or exerting a forceupon intermediate elongated member 1206. An electric linear actuator canbe configured to fixedly couple at one end with body 801 and fixedlycouple at an opposite end with intermediate elongated member 1206. Theelectric linear actuator can be operated to extend or retract totransition rack apparatus 1200 and reach assembly 800 from the fullyretracted state shown in FIG. 21 to the fully extended state shown inFIG. 22, or to a partially extended state.

Advantageously, all of the reach assemblies described herein are fullyelectric systems or are configured to be driven by electric motors (orelectric linear actuators), thereby facilitating a fully electric reachassembly. While the various electric systems described herein are shownimplemented with particular reach assembly configurations, any of theelectric systems, the electric rack and pinion systems, the gearingsystems, electric linear actuators, electric motors, etc., or componentsthereof can be used with various other telescoping reach assemblies.Advantageously, a fully-electric reach assembly reduces the need for ahydraulic system, is more environmentally friendly, and facilitates amore robust reach assembly.

It should be understood that any of the electric motors, electric linearactuators, electric devices, etc., can receive electrical energy/powerfrom a battery system including one or more battery devices or any otherenergy storage devices. Similarly, any of the electric motors, electriclinear actuators, or electrical devices described herein can be operatedby a controller or a control system. The controller can include aprocessing circuit, memory, a processor, computer readable medium, etc.,and may store instructions for operating any of the functions of thereach assembly. The controller can generate control signals and providethe control signals to any of the electrical devices (e.g., the electricmotors) described herein.

It should also be noted that any of the electric motors, electric linearactuators, etc., can include a brake that can lock or facilitaterestricting rotational output from an output driveshaft of any of theelectric motors. For example, any of the electric motors can include adrum brake configured to activate and provide a frictional force to theelectric motor driveshaft to facilitate preventing rotation of thedriveshaft thereof. The brake can be activated using mechanical systems,or an electrical system. For example, the brake may be an electricallyactivated drum brake, a mechanical brake, an electrical brake, etc. Thebrake can be configured to decrease output speed of the driveshaft ofthe electric motor or to facilitate locking a current angular positionof the driveshaft of the electric motor. The brake can be operated bythe same controller or control system that operates the electric motorsand electric linear actuators, or can be operated by a separate controlsystem and/or a separate controller. Additionally, any of the electricmotors or linear electric actuators described herein can includeappropriate gearboxes to increase or decrease output torque. The brakecan be activated when the refuse vehicle is shut down, or when the reachapparatus is powered off, or in response to a user input.

It should also be noted that any of the electrical motors, electricalactuators, or any other electrical movers can include any number ofsensors configured to measure and monitor an angular position or adegree of extension. In some embodiments, the sensors are a component ofthe electric motors or the electric linear actuators and providefeedback signals to the controller. The controller can monitor thesensor signals to identify an angular position or a degree of extensionof the electric motors or the electric linear actuators, respectively.The controller can use the sensor signal to determine a current degreeof extension of reach assembly 800. In some embodiments, extension ofreach assembly 800 is directly measured (e.g., with a distance sensor,with a proximity sensor, etc.).

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,”and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claims.

It should be noted that the terms “exemplary” and “example” as usedherein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that suchembodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrationsof possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote thatsuch embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent, etc.) or moveable (e.g.,removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers or the two members and any additional intermediate members beingintegrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with thetwo members or the two members and any additional intermediate membersbeing attached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” “between,” etc.) are merely used to describe theorientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted thatthe orientation of various elements may differ according to otherexemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to beencompassed by the present disclosure.

Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in itsexclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list ofelements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in thelist. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, andZ,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood withthe context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may beeither X, Y, Z, X and Y, X and Z, Y and Z, or X, Y, and Z (i.e., anycombination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is notgenerally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at leastone of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present,unless otherwise indicated.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of thesystems as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only.Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have beendescribed in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosurewill readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g.,variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions ofthe various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, useof materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departingfrom the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited.For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements. It should be noted that the elements and/orassemblies of the components described herein may be constructed fromany of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength ordurability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, andcombinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to beincluded within the scope of the present inventions. Othersubstitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in thedesign, operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments without departing from scope of the presentdisclosure or from the spirit of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reach assembly for a refuse vehicle, the reachassembly comprising: an outer member fixedly coupled with the refusevehicle; a plurality of telescoping members, each of the telescopingmembers comprising a rack extending in a longitudinal direction, whereinan outermost one of the plurality of telescoping members comprises alift apparatus; and a plurality of electric motors, each fixedly coupledwith one of the telescoping members and configured to drive a pinionthat engages the rack of an adjacent one of the telescoping members;wherein the plurality of electric motors are configured to drive theplurality of telescoping members to telescope to translate the liftapparatus.
 2. The reach assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality oftelescoping members comprise: a first extendable member configured to bereceived within an inner volume of the outer member and translaterelative to the outer member in a longitudinal direction of the outermember, the first extendable member comprising a first rack extending inthe longitudinal direction; and a second extendable member configured tobe received within an inner volume of the first extendable member andtranslate relative to the first extendable member in the longitudinaldirection, the second extendable member comprising a second rackextending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the lift apparatus isfixedly coupled at an outer end of the second extendable member.
 3. Thereach assembly of claim 2, wherein the plurality of electric motorscomprise: a first electric motor fixedly coupled with the outer memberand configured to drive a first pinion configured to engage the firstrack to translate the first extendable member relative to the outermember; and a second electric motor fixedly coupled with the firstextendable member and configured to drive a second pinion configured toengage the second rack to translate the second extendable memberrelative to the first extendable member.
 4. The reach assembly of claim3, further comprising: a first gearbox configured to receive rotationalkinetic energy from the first electric motor and drive the first pinionto translate the first extendable member relative to the outer member;and a second gearbox configured to receive rotational kinetic energyfrom the second electric motor and drive the second pinion to translatethe second extendable member relative to the first extendable member. 5.The reach assembly of claim 4, further comprising: a first electricbrake configured to activate to engage an output shaft of the firstelectric motor; and a second electric brake configured to activate toengage an output shaft of the second electric motor.
 6. The reachassembly of claim 5, wherein activation of the first electric brakerestricts relative translation of the first extendable member relativeto a body of the refuse vehicle and activation of the second electricbrake restricts relative translation of the second extendable memberrelative to the first extendable member.
 7. The reach assembly of claim1, wherein the outer member comprises: a plurality of linear bearingsfixedly coupled with the outer member; a first of the plurality oftelescoping members comprises: a first frame member and a second framemember offset from each other in a lateral direction, each of the firstframe member and the second frame member extending in the longitudinaldirection and defining a longitudinally extending track along laterallyoutwards facing sides of the first frame member and the second framemember; and a plurality of linear bearings fixedly coupled withlaterally inwards facing sides of the first frame member and the secondframe member; wherein the plurality of linear bearings of the outermember are received within the longitudinally extending tracks toslidably couple the first of the plurality of telescoping members withthe outer member; and a second of the plurality of telescoping memberscomprises: a pair of laterally outwards facing surfaces configured toslidably engage the plurality of linear bearings of the first of theplurality of telescoping members to slidably couple the second of theplurality of telescoping members the first of the plurality oftelescoping members.
 8. The reach assembly of claim 7, wherein the firstof the plurality of telescoping members comprises a pair of laterallyextending members that extend between the first frame member and thesecond frame member, wherein the first frame member, the second framemember, and the pair of laterally extending members define the innervolume of the first of the plurality of telescoping members.
 9. Thereach assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer member receives a first endof a first of the plurality of telescoping members through the innervolume of the outer member, wherein a second of the plurality ofelectric motors is fixedly coupled with the first of the plurality oftelescoping members at a second end of the first of the plurality oftelescoping members, wherein the second end is opposite the first end ofthe first of the plurality of telescoping members.
 10. The reachassembly of claim 1, wherein the lift apparatus comprises: a trackcomprising a straight portion and a curved portion; and a grabberassembly configured to releasably grasp a refuse container and ascend ordescend the track.
 11. The reach assembly of claim 1, wherein the reachassembly is a fully-electric apparatus configured to only use electricalenergy to extend or retract.
 12. A refuse vehicle comprising: a chassis;a plurality of tractive elements coupled with the chassis and configuredto support the refuse vehicle; and a reach assembly comprising: an outermember fixedly coupled with the refuse vehicle; a plurality oftelescoping members, each of the telescoping members comprising a rackextending in a longitudinal direction, wherein an outermost one of theplurality of telescoping members comprises a lift apparatus; and aplurality of electric motors, each fixedly coupled with one of thetelescoping members and configured to drive a pinion that engages therack of an adjacent one of the telescoping members; wherein theplurality of electric motors are configured to drive the plurality oftelescoping members to telescope to translate the lift apparatus. 13.The refuse vehicle of claim 12, wherein the plurality of telescopingmembers comprise: a first extendable member configured to be receivedwithin an inner volume of the outer member and translate relative to theouter member in a longitudinal direction of the outer member, the firstextendable member comprising a first rack extending in the longitudinaldirection; and a second extendable member configured to be receivedwithin an inner volume of the first extendable member and translaterelative to the first extendable member in the longitudinal direction,the second extendable member comprising a second rack extending in thelongitudinal direction, wherein the lift apparatus is fixedly coupled atan outer end of the second extendable member; and wherein the pluralityof electric motors comprise: a first electric motor fixedly coupled withthe outer member and configured to drive a first pinion configured toengage the first rack to translate the first extendable member relativeto the outer member; and a second electric motor fixedly coupled withthe first extendable member and configured to drive a second pinionconfigured to engage the second rack to translate the second extendablemember relative to the first extendable member.
 14. The refuse vehicleof claim 13, further comprising: a first gearbox configured to receiverotational kinetic energy from the first electric motor and drive thefirst pinion to translate the first extendable member relative to theouter member; and a second gearbox configured to receive rotationalkinetic energy from the second electric motor and drive the secondpinion to translate the second extendable member relative to the firstextendable member.
 15. The refuse vehicle of claim 14, furthercomprising: a first electric brake configured to activate to engage anoutput shaft of the first electric motor; and a second electric brakeconfigured to activate to engage an output shaft of the second electricmotor.
 16. The refuse vehicle of claim 15, wherein activation of thefirst electric brake restricts relative translation of the firstextendable member relative to a body of the refuse vehicle andactivation of the second electric brake restricts relative translationof the second extendable member relative to the first extendable member.17. The refuse vehicle of claim 12, wherein the outer member comprises:a plurality of linear bearings fixedly coupled with the outer member; afirst of the plurality of telescoping members comprises: a first framemember and a second frame member offset from each other in a lateraldirection, each of the first frame member and the second frame memberextending in the longitudinal direction and defining a longitudinallyextending track along laterally outwards facing sides of the first framemember and the second frame member; and a plurality of linear bearingsfixedly coupled with laterally inwards facing sides of the first framemember and the second frame member; wherein the plurality of linearbearings of the outer member are received within the longitudinallyextending tracks to slidably couple the first of the plurality oftelescoping members with the outer member; and a second of the pluralityof telescoping members comprises: a pair of laterally outwards facingsurfaces configured to slidably engage the plurality of linear bearingsof the first of the plurality of telescoping members to slidably couplethe second of the plurality of telescoping members the first of theplurality of telescoping members; wherein the first of the plurality oftelescoping members comprises a pair of laterally extending members thatextend between the first frame member and the second frame member,wherein the first frame member, the second frame member, and the pair oflaterally extending members define the inner volume of the first of theplurality of telescoping members.
 18. The refuse vehicle of claim 12,wherein the outer member receives a first end of a first of theplurality of telescoping members through the inner volume of the outermember, wherein a second of the plurality of electric motors is fixedlycoupled with the first of the plurality of telescoping members at asecond end of the first of the plurality of telescoping members, whereinthe second end is opposite the first end of the first of the pluralityof telescoping members.
 19. The refuse vehicle of claim 12, wherein thereach assembly is a fully-electric apparatus configured to only useelectrical energy to extend or retract.
 20. A fully-electric reachassembly for a refuse vehicle, the reach assembly comprising: an outermember fixedly coupled with the refuse vehicle; a first extendablemember configured to be received within an inner volume of the outermember and translate relative to the outer member in a longitudinaldirection of the outer member, the first extendable member comprising afirst rack extending in the longitudinal direction; and a secondextendable member configured to be received within an inner volume ofthe first extendable member and translate relative to the firstextendable member in the longitudinal direction, the second extendablemember comprising a second rack extending in the longitudinal direction,wherein the lift apparatus is fixedly coupled at an outer end of thesecond extendable member; a first electric motor fixedly coupled withthe outer member and configured to drive a first pinion configured toengage the first rack to translate the first extendable member relativeto the outer member; and a second electric motor fixedly coupled withthe first extendable member and configured to drive a second pinionconfigured to engage the second rack to translate the second extendablemember relative to the first extendable member; a first gearboxconfigured to receive rotational kinetic energy from the first electricmotor and drive the first pinion to translate the first extendablemember relative to the outer member; and a second gearbox configured toreceive rotational kinetic energy from the second electric motor anddrive the second pinion to translate the second extendable memberrelative to the first extendable member.